Dunblane architect student named as Forth Valley College's best

-Credit: (Image: FORTH VALLEY COLLEGE)
-Credit: (Image: FORTH VALLEY COLLEGE)


Forth Valley College’s Student of the Year award for 2024 has gone to Murray Hill from Dunblane.

Murray, 27, graduated with a HND Computer Aided Architectural Design and Technology.

But he also won Most Inspirational Student in the Department of STEM and Construction, sponsored by Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Murray achieved his qualification despite having to contend with range of conditions.

He is now looking forward to studying for a degree in Architectural Technology at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.

Inspirational Murray has had to manage several conditions including ADHD, autism, dyslexia and his general mental health, during his studies.

He said: “It was a real surprise and a shock to win Student of the Year, but it is an amazing feeling. I was holding back the tears when I realised I had won and I was so happy that my mum and dad were here with me to see this. I have really loved the graduation event, it has been a really great experience.

“All my lecturers in the Construction Department put a lot of time into helping me during my time at FVC, and what they taught me is now paying off and so a lot of recognition must go to them too.”

FVC Principal Kenny MacInnes, said: “Murray is a very worthy winner of this year’s Student of the Year award. He deserves to be recognised as an inspiration, having faced down so many personal challenges and barriers to complete his qualification and put himself on the path to a great career.

“We are all very proud of what he has achieved and he should be very proud of himself too. We all wish Murray well in his studies at university and we will be watching his progress with interest. We are sure he will have a very successful career in architecture ahead.”

Students from Bannockburn and Kippen also scooped prizes at this year’s FVC graduation ceremony – held at the Falkirk Campus recently.

Magdalena Nowak, 42, from Bannockburn, who graduated with a HNC Childhood Practice, won Most Inspirational Student in the Department of Care, Sport, Business & Communities (sponsored by Drummond Laurie Chartered Accountants) and Callum Milligan, 23, from Kippen, who graduated with a BA Art and Design, was presented with the Most Inspirational Student in the Department of Creative, Digital & Leisure Industries award (sponsored by Central FM).

Magdalena said: “I am very surprised, but very proud and happy to win this award. Without completing this course you would not be able to do much in the early education sector. I would recommend it to every single mum to do it.”

Callum, who worked his way up from NC Media, to NC and HND Photography at FVC, before graduating with a BA Art and Design, said: “I was absolutely shocked to find out I had won and it needed a wee bit of time for it to sink in. I had no idea I had been nominated, but I am pleased and very proud of myself, especially as I had many, many talented classmates in my year who could easily have won this award too. I now can’t wait to start my Honours at the University of Stirling.”

More than 850 students were eligible to graduate this year from FVC and 246 of them chose to collect their scrolls at three ceremonies on the campus.

Guest speaker at the morning ceremony was author and expert in leadership Dr Eve Poole OBE, while at the second event tourist industry spokesman and commercially focused business leader Marc Crothall gave the keynote speech.

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At the final ceremony former policeman turned equality, diversity and inclusion consultant Robin Iffla MBE, spoke to the assembled graduates and guests.

Abhishek Agarwal, new chair of the Forth Valley Board of Management gave the vote of thanks at all three ceremonies.

Also at the graduation were former FVC Principal Professor Ken Thomson, former FVC Head of Department Jacqui McArthur and former FV Board of Management member Ken Richardson, who were all awarded Fellowships of the College.

Alloa Bowmar Pipe Band were on hand to lead in the top tables and stage parties at all three ceremonies.

FVC Principal Kenny MacInnes, said: “All our prizewinners this year have also excelled in their course and thoroughly deserve this recognition. FVC is very proud of their efforts and I personally would like to congratulate them for their hard work, which will no doubt inspire students of the future. We wish them all well as they embark upon their new careers or continued study. They have without a doubt been a credit to themselves and to the college. We are sure they will go on to have successful careers in whatever they choose to do.”